On 6 July the Waratah-Wynyard Council held a community gathering to discuss their Draft Community Plan for the town of Waratah. I was unable to attend due a medical appointment so here are my comments on the future plan.

The Draft is a generic repeat of the original in 2017 with few specific new items – they may have been discussed at the forum – so here are the specifics I would have introduced: –

  • The concept of a platform walk around the falls over Happy Valley, at a cost of over $3million, is a complete waste of money for little realistic benefit given existing viewing platforms and should be cancelled.
  • At a cost of circa $500,000 the complete refurbishment of the Old Powerhouse Loop track should be a priority as per The Waratah Loop – Tasmanian Times and readily achievable with a combination of Waratah-Wynyard Council, community and Sustainable Timbers Tasmania labour and support. Note that dialogue with STT, who own the bulk of the lease area, has been positive.

This includes the restoration of the rail bridge for tourism benefit as already suggested but in a simpler and historic fashion and all relevant sign postings and information booths.

  • The Waratah-Wynyard Council should install a bus shelter in town for school children instead of them using the roadhouse for protection.
  • The playground at the western end of town should be completely redeveloped to modern standards as the council has done in the Waratah/Somerset areas.
  • The installation of a statue of Philosopher Smith at a relevant position in town as was suggested for the 150th anniversary but completely ignored by the council. If not a statue, then some other significant artwork and interpretation of his life and contribution to the existence of the town.
  • The installation of a safe and durable weir wall at the town lake system to replace the current disaster.
  • Some Ideas for the Waratah Community Board 4Explore the routing and cost of a nature walk around the southern perimeter of the heritage Bichoff Reservoir and across the Knolle Plains.
  • The installation of a commemoration plaque and yarning circle on behalf of the original owners of the land upon which Waratah is situated – the Tarkineneer. It could look like the one in the accompanying image.
  • Improve local projects by ensuring that all members of the Community Board are residents of Waratah, and that the Chairperson is not a councillor from outside the town.
  • Negotiate with owner of the old nursery at 2/10 William St and convert it to a community nursery.

Finally, this is not a Community Board decision but let us hope two of the Residential Board might stand for Waratah-Wynyard Council at the local government elections in October and be elected.